Our backyard

Notes on Life in the Desert

Last week we moved to the desert.

It’s always sunny. We smear white paste on our bodies and squint indoors.

It’s always hot. Nights warm and thick like the air’s made of blanket.

It’s always dry. Our bodies won’t sweat. We just get thirsty.

The clouds are painted on. They never move, never dare block the sun.

Little lizards skitter across our concrete patio, diving for shade.

Jackrabbits dart across our yard. All ears and speed.

A tortoise comes to visit. He moves slowly. He digs slowly. He leaves slowly.

I make our bed and find a spider. Small and thick and comfortable. She does not leave.

Cacti surround us. Their needles reach longingly through the soles of our sandals.

We go days without seeing anybody, yet we are never alone.

We like it here.